Financial adviser admits to embezzling $4.3M from clients

A former financial adviser from Plymouth, Mass., has pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $4.3 million from his clients and using the money for personal expenses, including to make mortgage payments and pay his daughter's college tuition.
MAR 04, 2010
A former financial adviser from Plymouth, Mass., has pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $4.3 million from his clients and using the money for personal expenses, including to make mortgage payments and pay his daughter's college tuition. Stephen Clifford pleaded guilty on Tuesday to mail fraud, wire fraud and making false tax returns. Prosecutors say the 58-year-old Clifford encouraged about 20 clients to give his company, Clifford Financial Associates, money to invest between March 2003 and June 2008. Authorities say he also used the money to make alimony, credit card and home equity payments. Prosecutors say he also funded a personal trading account that he used to speculate in oil futures. Clifford is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 14.

Latest News

Private capital's $1 trillion bet on the American retirement account
Private capital's $1 trillion bet on the American retirement account

From 401(k)s to retail funds, Deloitte sees private equity and credit crossing into mainstream investing on two fronts at once.

Advisor moves: Wells Fargo Advisors pulls in $9.6b in fresh talent during first half of May
Advisor moves: Wells Fargo Advisors pulls in $9.6b in fresh talent during first half of May

Big-name defections from Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Merrill Lynch headline a busy two weeks of recruiting for the wirehouse.

Why uncertainty is making behavioral coaching more valuable than ever
Why uncertainty is making behavioral coaching more valuable than ever

Markets have always been unpredictable. What has changed is the amount of information investors are trying to process and the growing role advisors play in helping clients avoid emotional decisions

Florida investor hits real estate syndicator with fraud suit over $750K
Florida investor hits real estate syndicator with fraud suit over $750K

Six apartment deals, one "big account," and $2.7M in undocumented insider loans. Now the lawsuit lands

Chicago’s 'Mr. Finance' posed as advisor in loan scheme, according to Illinois regulators
Chicago’s 'Mr. Finance' posed as advisor in loan scheme, according to Illinois regulators

The Illinois order refers to Brandon Ellington’s investment program as a “Ponzi-like scheme.”

SPONSORED Are hedge funds the missing ingredient?

Wellington explores how multi strategy hedge funds may enhance diversification

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management